Melbourne, Nov. 17 : Noted cricket columnist Peter Roebuck is of the view that Australian all-rounder Andrew Symonds must play in the first test against New Zealand at the Gabba in Brisbane, provided he is in the right frame of mind.

He said that Symonds is capable of changing a match with bat, ball or catch, and described him as a formidable competitor.

But, he cautioned that if Symonds had reservations about returning to the Australian team, or to cricket itself, then he should withdraw.

“If he is not enjoying his cricket, yearns for the fish and the freedom, then he must recognise it and step aside. Cynicism is destructive,” The Age quotes Roebuck as saying in an article written for it.

Melbourne, Nov. 17: Controversial Australian cricket all-rounder Andrew Symonds has revealed that his excessive drinking was one of the reasons behind his dramatic fall from grace in Australian cricket.

Symonds, now set to be included in Australia''s starting XI for Thursday''s first Test against New Zealand, was quoted by Fox Sports as saying how he had "turned bad" and started drinking too much following last summer''s controversial Monkeygate affair where he felt he had not been supported by Cricket Australia.

Melbourne, Nov. 17: Australian of-spinner Jason Krezja has the potential to play for his country for the next decade, provided he measures up to expectations and keeps his private life in order, believes former Australian off-spinner Colin Miller.

Miller, who took 69 wickets at 26 in 18 Tests, was quoted by the Courier Mail as saying: "I can see him playing for the next 10 years if he can keep his life in order and handle all the expectations."

Sydney, Nov. 17 : Australian all-rounder Shane Watson could be given first preference ahead of Andrew Symonds in the first Test against New Zealand to be played later this week at the Gabba in Brisbane, because of the inclement weather prevailing in that region.

According to the Sydney Morning Herald, Watson and Symonds are competing for the sole all-rounder’s berth in the Australian XI.

There is a view within the team management that the prospect of rain and humidity in Brisbane might suit Watson''s bowling strengths.

Melbourne, Nov 17 : Aussie all-rounder Shane Watson has said that he loved bowling to Indian opener Gautam Gambhir because it were a big dog-fight to get him out, but added that the latter was no “Mr Perfect”. The duo was involved in a spat in the third Test at Kotla, where the opener elbowed Watson after the latter was seen passing some comments at him.

The Pakistan Cricket Board is optimistic to earn huge money from the sale of television rights despite tough global financial conditions. The board has decided to sell TV rights next week. However, the board has not decided about the reserve prices for interested parties.

The board aims to get around $120 million from the sale for the next four and half years as per the reports of sources close to the development.